CARRINGTON CHILDCARE
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Jigsaw Childcare Perth :: Carrington Childcare :: About Us
Carrington Childcare centre was founded in September 1986. The centre has grown from 20 licensed places to the 48 places at present. We offer long daycare for children aged between 0 and 5 years as well as before, after school and holiday programs for children in local schools. Opening Times Hours of Operation
Centre Management This centre is privately owned and operated by the Licensees, Tim & Fran Brien. Tammy Murray is the Supervising Officer/ Co-ordinator and is responsible for the day to day supervision and control of the centre. In the absence of licensee or supervising officer, Louise Dack will act in place during their time of absence. Management aims to work in partnership with staff and families to create and sustain environments that foster learning and development for all children. Ongoing and periodic evaluation of the centre’s service by management, staff and families is considered a high priority and is promoted through:
Our Philosopy ENVIRONMENT At Carrington Child Care we aim to provide quality care and education for your children in a happy, homely atmosphere within a safe and stimulating environment. It is important to us that children feel safe and secure without fear of harm. DIVERSITY We believe all children, families and educators should be treated as equal and valued individuals regardless of race, gender, additional needs or cultural background. We encourage all children, families and the local community to share their cultural languages, ideas and attitudes. We aim to teach children to respect themselves and others and to honour and value the diversity and differences found in today’s Australia. FAMILIES We believe families are the most important people in children’s lives and will work in partnership with families and local communities to assist children in becoming resilient, confident and caring individuals through positive open communication. Relationships are built on mutural respect, trust and honouring diversity. Families are seen as diverse and we welcome and invite them to share and celebrate their culture and values. We welcome parent input regarding all aspects of children’s care and policy making within the centre. LEARNING We are focused on providing an emergent curriculum where children can be in charge of their own learning, to engage in and move freely through play, learning and living areas and the environments making their own decisions. Educators will strive to provide learning environments that allow for spontaneous and intentional teaching that supports individual childrens interests. Children will be encouraged to be independent within routines and in their decision making whilst being supported by educators EDUCATORS Our Eductors are valued and respected at Carrington Childcare. Individual personalities, knowledge, life experiences and cultures are encouraged and appreciated, as they bring a diverse background of shared interests into our community. Educators are encouraged and supported in their pursuit of ongoing professional development, in an industry that is constantly growing. Our educators will act as role models at all times SUSTAINABILITY We only have one world with limited natural resources. We will endeavor to teach children about the precious world we live in and promote practices that encourage sustainability. The natural environment is important to us as educators as it is an unique teaching tool. We aim to continually improve our natural environment within our centre to ensure it will be there for future generations to learn from. WELL BEING Educators will take a holistic approach to children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We recognize the importance of balance between physical activity and adequate rest to enhance children’s development. Children will be given opportunities for quiet play and rest at any time. We will provide healthy, nutritious meals prepared fresh daily to ensure your children’s daily nutritional requirements are met. Children will learn the importance of food and how a healthy diet is essential for us all.
National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) The NCAC administers the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System for childcare services. Our centre is registered and accredited. The centre regularly makes self assessments on the quality of our practices by following the 7 quality areas outlined by the NCAC. Self assessment involves consultation with staff and families of the centre. More information can be found at www.ncac.gov.au
Children and Community Services ( Childcare) Regulations 2006 The centre has a copy of the regulations available in the office if parents would like to access these. Additionally information can be gained from the; Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit First Floor Phone: 6210 3333 111 Wellington Street Fax: 6210 3300 East Perth WA 6004
Parent & Family ParticipationFamilies are encouraged to participate in the centre’s activities at any time and we value input from families regarding our programming and planning for their children. You can also be involved by explaining your child’s temperament, stage of development and likes & dislikes to the caregivers. Even though a parents life is very busy, we would appreciate a few minutes every morning and evening as you bring and collect your child to talk about how he/she is progressing. Tell the caregiver the little things they need to know e.g. changes in sleep patterns, any development you observe, the cold your child appears to be contracting or how an activity was enjoyed,. To give children the best opportunity for development, child care staff and parents work hand-in-hand. We want children to gain the best that is possible from our Centre, so please do keep in touch and discuss your joy, problems, concerns and feelings with staff. Parents/guardians can arrange to see their children’s carer’s by appointment if they wish to have a confidential meeting regarding their children. The centre will provide regular information about, and on-going opportunities for parents to participate and have input into, the services provided at the Centre. This will be achieved through ; * Monthly Newsletters that will include information about current programs and special activities happening at the centre, advise of changes to staff, news from the Operators and information about social events and ways in which parents can participate in the centre. * Parent and Staff evenings held regularly through out the year, and *A Parent Handbook given to all new families.
Settling your Child into the Centre Children react differently to being away from their parents and we encourage you to remain with your child for as long as you feel is necessary to ensure your child’s well being. We use a variety of strategies to help your child settle into our Centre. We recommend that you bring your child for a visit, prior to beginning care at the centre. This will help to introduce yourself and your child to the staff and other children and familiarize your child with the playroom. You can visit as many times as you feel you need. A comfort toy or item belonging to you to look after is a good settling technique. It is important to say goodbye to your child when you are leaving , even if your child becomes upset, to establish trust that you will not disappear and to reassure him/her of your return. Alert staff of your intention to leave, so they can distract your child. If you are worried, please feel free to telephone the centre during the day for reassurance that your child has settled. The staff will always tell you honestly how your child is. Be aware that some children settle quickly and others take longer or may be distressed by group care. Our staff will assess your child’s emotional needs and discuss this with you. Regular attendance also helps a child to settle.
Enrolment An enrolment form must be completed for each child. The details required on the enrolment form are needed by our staff to help take the best possible care of your child. It is also a licensing requirement. All information is strictly confidential. If any of the details on the enrolment form change you are asked to advise the Supervising Officer immediately. Access for families and children to the centre will not discriminate against families and will ensure the safety and care of children at the centre , and will protect the custodial rights of parents/guardians. Enrolments wll be subject to Commonwealth Government Priority of Access Guidelines. At the time of enrolment you will be asked to provide:
Priority of Access Child Care places at our centre will be made available to the community in accordance with the Commonwealth “Priority of Access Guidelines”. Below is a general overview of the guidelines; for a more detailed account please refer to the centres General Policies. The guidelines (as stated in legislation) are: FIRST PRIORITY: A Child at risk of serious abuse or neglect. SECOND PRIORITY: A child of a single parent who satisfies, or parents who both satisfy, the working/training/studying test under section 14 of the Family Assistance Act. THIRD PRIORITY: Any other child. Within each catergory the following children are to be given priority:
Children with Special Needs Our centre caters for children with special needs. Children with special needs that cannot be catered for within the usual day care routine will be integrated into the whole group with additional support form an Inclusion Support Facilitator. Referral to the Inclusion Support Facilitator or other professionals is made either directly by the parent, or by the Supervising Officer after permission is given by the parent. Where possible, support will be obtained prior to commencement of care. This will ensure transition into care is successful to all concerned. School ChildrenCarrington Childcare offers before and after school care, holiday programs and kindergarten drop off and pick ups. This is applicable to local schools and kindergartens and may vary depending on children’s numbers and availability of buses. The centre has a 12 seater bus to cater for drop offs and pick ups. The bus registration number is 1CWT 651. Staff driving the bus hold current Australian licences.
PAYMENT OF FEES Accounts are issued each Monday for the coming week (Monday to Friday), they are to be paid weekly. The cost of your weekly account will be given to you upon enrolment. Fees are based on a weekly or daily base, half days can be arranged with management. For fee structure see information sheet at back of handbook. Fees will be required to be paid for short term absences, these include sick days, holidays and public holidays if they fall on the child’s normal day of care. A late fee is applicable, see “Late Collection of Children”. Failure to pay fees within 30 days may result in a cancellation of booking. Outstanding accounts will be dealt with by a Debt Collection Agency. Any expenses involved will be payable by the parent.
Child Care Benefit It is a payment made by the government to assist families with the cost of child care. All Australian residents using child care provided by an approved child care service are eligible for Child Care Benefit (CCB). Carrington Childcare is an accredited centre by the National Childcare Accreditation Council and is reviewed annually. This means that our families are eligible for CCB. It is the parents/guardians responsibility to contact the Family Assistance Office to apply for CCB. Parents then need to inform the Supervising Officer of both theirs and their child’s Customer Reference Number. Child Care Benefit can be claimed as a percentage taken off their weekly account or as a lump sum paid at the end of the financial year, this is to be arranged with the FAO. Parents claiming the CCB% as a weekly reduction will have the % applied to their account the week following their child’s attendance under the governments new Child Care Management System introduced in 2008-09. Parents must sign their child in and out each day of attendance and initial all days absent and public holidays if it fall on your child’s booked day. Child Care Benefit cannot be claimed for days that are not signed. This would mean paying full fees. CCB entitlements are payable on 30 allowable absences per year (not including Public Holidays). After that, full fees will apply. The government now also provides a Child Care Rebate which will reimburse parents 50% of what the pay after the Child Care Benefit has been claimed. The Family Assistant Office can be contacted on 13 61 50. Carrington Childcares CCMS Number is 1 5XJ 22.
Cancellations Parents/guardians are required to give two weeks notice of cancellation of their child’s day care requirements. If after three weeks an account is overdue and no arrangements to pay have been made or kept, the place will be cancelled.
Absences Please inform the Supervising Officer in writing if your child is going to be away for longer than one week. Any child not attending the centre for one week without notifying the Supervising Officer of the reason, shall be regarded as having withdrawn and the place will be cancelled. Parents should notify the centre if their child is not attending during their booked time, as soon as this is known or at the very latest by 9:00am on the morning of attendance. Telephone : 9339 7691
ARRIVAL AND COLLECTION OF CHILDREN Our primary concern is the welfare and safety of your child. We therefore request that you comply with the following requirements.
Arriving at the centre We request that children be handed to a staff member upon arrival at the centre, to ensure that staff know your child has arrived for the day.
Authorised Persons The centre will only release your child into the care of the custodial parent or autjhorised persons identified on your child’s enrolment form. Any changes to these authorities must be advised in writing to the Centre as soon as possible. We request that you confirm with your caregiver who will collect the child each day. If an unauthorized person arrives to collect your child, the child will not be released until you authorize (preferably in writing) has been obtained. You must ensure your child’s collection from the centre is reliably organized, as uncertainties and irregularities can cause anxiety for your child and the Centre. Any persons collecting children from the centre that are not known to staff will be asked to provide photo identification.
Late Collection of Children If a parent/guardian is unable to collect their child prior to closing time they should notify the centre and arrange for another responsible adult to collect the child and advise the centre of this arrangement if other than on the enrolment form. If the parent/guardian has not contacted the centre prior to closing time , the centre will attempt to telephone the parent/guardian or if this is not possible telephone the emergency contact people listed on the child’s enrolment form. If no one can be contacted and the child has not been collected 30 minutes after the center’s normal closing time the Local Police Station will be contacted and asked to take responsibility for the child. A notice to this effect will be posted on the center’s entrance with the relevant telephone contact numbers. A late fee applies to children collected after the normal closing time. This is $1.00 per minute charged to the parents account after 6.00pm. This is to cover the cost of overtime payment to staff members.
Children’s Safety on the Roads In the case of a parent or guardian arriving at the centre to collect their child in a visibly intoxicated or unfit state to drive, they will be encouraged to contact an alternative adult to drive them and the child home, or the centre will offer to call a taxi at the expense of the parent/ guardian. Police may be called if staff feel that a child’s safety is at risk.
Signing children in and out: The custodial parent/guardian or authorized person who brings the child into service or collects the child from the service must record and sign/initial the child’s times of arrival and departure. (Child Care Regulations – 70(1)(a). If you do not complete these sheets you will not be eligible for CCB.
FAMILY ACCESS We will work in partnership at all times and welcome your input and access to the service according to the following guidelines. Communication with ParentsParents may visit the centre at any reasonable time whilst their child is in care. However, you are requested to give consideration to the time of day so that children are not disturbed e.g rest time. We also ask that you take into consideration has to how your child will react to you coming and going without them through out the day. The centre fosters positive relations between all parents and staff. Every parent has the right to a positive and sympathetic response to their concerns. Solutions are sought to resolve all disputes, issues or concerns that impact or affect the day to day well being of the centre in a fair, prompt and positive manner. The cerntre will provide all written communications to families via the centre information boards ( at entrance to each building), monthly newsletters, parent evenings and individual room journals. We occasionally ask that parents to assist us in completing surveys, questionnaires, family feedback sheets and child questionnaires. These are a useful means of communication, particularly for those who cannot attend parent evenings. Our fee box in the front entrance of the main house also acts as a comment/suggestion box which allows families to communicate in writing with management and staff. If you have a preferred method of communication, such as email please contact the Supervising Officer. Custodial Issues Where a child attending the centre is not living with both parents or where disputes arise in relation to responsibility for the child, the following will apply;
Procedure for Dealing with Parent/Staff ConflictPlease let us know if you are unhappy with any aspect of the service we provide for you and your child. We welcome parent feedback, including your grievances and complaints, as these will help us to improve the service that we provide. All concerns will be dealt with in a prompt, positive and sympathetic manner. - The parent should discuss the problem with the relevant staff member concerned. - If the parent still feels action is necessary after discussion with the relevant staff member they should take the matter up with the Supervising Officer. - If the matter still can not be resolved then parent / supervising officer would bring the matter to the attention of the owner. - The Supervising Officer will advise the relevant staff member of its decision and the supervising officer/Owner will convey that finding to the parent concerned. Parents are also entitled to direct their complaints to the Child Care Licensing & Standards Unit (details at the front of handbook)
Confidentiality The centre protects the privacy and confidentiality of individuals by ensuing that all records and information about individual children and families are kept in a secure place and are only accessed by people who need the information to fulfill their responsibilities at the centre or have the legal right to know. Refer to “Privacy Statement” at back of handbook of what information we are required to collect. All confidential conversations/discussions with parents will take place in a quiet area away from children, other parents and staff who are not involved. Appropriate times can be arranged with staff or management to allow for this.
Termination of Care In extreme circumstances it may be necessary to terminate a child’s care. Exclusion of children from the service will only occur after all other avenues of communication and support have been exhausted and when;
Centre’s Carpark The centre’s carpark is one way only. Entry via the drive way furtherest from Carrington Street. Parents are also asked to park in an orderly manner that allows other parents to use the drive way.
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